Kingston lawmakers may be asked to borrow up to $280,000 for sewer work (video)

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- City Engineer Ralph Swenson will ask the Common Council to authorize borrowing up to $280,000 for a project intended to reduce the amount of raw sewage that gets into the Rondout Creek.

Swenson told members of the council's Finance/Economic Development Committee on Wednesday that the money would be used to upgrade the Hasbrouck Avenue flow-control system that does not work as it should amid heavy rain and to make sure the control structure is upgraded to "minimize" the amount of sewage going into the Rondout Creek.

He said the work has been mandated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and that he is likely to request a decision on the borrowing in March.

Swenson said $176,000 already has been allocated for design work.

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Alderman Thomas Hoffay, who chairs the Finance/Economic Development Committee, said prior to Wednesday's meeting that the city has no choice but to authorize the work. He also called the expense worthwhile.

"We have to do this as part of the DEC (orders)," said Hoffay, D-Ward 2. "This is doing something to (better) filter out the solids and not overburden the sewer treatment plant."

Swenson said bids for the work are to be accepted by the city by March 8.